What is genset room?

Author: Justin

Jul. 02, 2024

What is a Genset & What Is It Used For?

What is a Genset & What Is It Used For?

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At its simplest, a generator set or &#;genset&#; is a piece of portable equipment, consisting of an engine and an alternator/electric generator, used to provide energy. Gensets are often used in developing areas and other areas not connected to the power grid; places where power outages are frequent; and/or where an outage can cause especially significant or dangerous problems, such as deep in a mine. They can serve as the main source of energy or as a supplementary power source, perhaps during peak usage hours.

APR Energy offers one of the largest fleets in the world of these mobile containerized generators. Here is a more in-depth look at them.

How Does a Genset Work?

A genset is a combination of a prime mover, (typically an engine), and an alternator.  An engine converts the chemical energy of a fuel to mechanical energy.  That mechanical energy is used to spin the alternator rotor; converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.  An alternator is made of two main parts; a rotor and stator.  Spinning the alternator rotor through the magnetic field between the rotor and stator creates a voltage on the alternator stator, through the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction.   When the voltage on the stator is connected to a load, electrical current flows, and the generator produces power.

In sum, the genset creates portable sources of energy. When the generator is used in conjunction with a diesel engine, as just one example, this creates a diesel genset.

Additional Elements of a Genset

A genset is usually housed in a sound attenuated enclosure to reduce noise to the surrounding areas, and is typically made of steel or stainless steel, or aluminum. This cabin must be able to withstand corrosion and effectively manage the engine cooling process. The baseframe contains an anti-vibration system; it may also contain the fuel tank or the tank may be separate. Other elements include a control panel and an automatic transfer switch in case energy needs to be alternated between the main source and an auxiliary one.

Benefits of a Genset

Benefits of a well-built, industrial-quality genset are numerous, including:

  • Reliability
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Scalable design
  • Robust construction
  • Automatic or manual paralleling
  • Automatic loading control
  • Local or remote operation
  • Low emissions

Here are more specifics. When you choose a genset module from APR Energy, you can count on diesel- and gas-powered modules that use the latest in reciprocating engine technology with superior efficiency and significant fuel savings, plus improved frequency and voltage stability. Our gensets are easily transportable by land, sea or air, housed within a standard ISO 12.2m (40 foot) container. To ensure rapid installation and commissioning globally, our package design has minimal interfaces. These units can be combined into scalable 5.5 MW blocks and can facilitate rapid installation up to 300 MW or more.

Additional benefits of gensets by APR Energy include:

  • Our modules support a broad range of utility/industrial power generation applications
  • These durable and dependable modules are crafted with minimal weight
  • Utility paralleling switchgear allows for automatic or manual paralleling
  • Our modules have an automatic load management system for:
    • Utility base load
    • Soft loading/unloading
    • Power factor or VAR control
    • Voltage support in utility mode
  • Automatic operation can be initiated locally or remotely using a SCADA system
  • These genset modules have ongoing engine data logging that:
      • Serves as an important element of the control system
      • Defines onsite maintenance activity scheduling
      • Offers island-mode parallelling with other power modules
      • Has stand-alone operational capabilities with local or remote starting, power control and synchronizing

     

Natural Gas Genset Versus Diesel Genset

The APR Energy gas power module is a highly efficient choice, with installation and commission possible in as quickly as 30 days. Specs at 50 Hz include:

  • Continuous power output of kW
  • Engine speed of RPM
  • 3-phase voltage: 400V/230V
  • Size: 12.2 x 2.5 x 2.9m (LxWxH)
  • CAT(R) GC low-emission gas engine
  • Designed for methane number range of 55-100

This natural gas-powered module provides highly reliable, fuel-efficient energy to support fast-track power with automatic loading control. You can use the energy in multiple ways, continuously in base load or during peak hours only, using automatic or manual paralleling via our utility paralleling switchgear.

This module can support a broad range of power generation applications for industrial and utility usages, even in extreme conditions and/or in remote locations. This system was designed to perform optimally on low-pressure pipeline natural gas, with low emissions. You can find significantly more information about our natural gas genset features and benefits.

The APR Energy diesel power module is also a highly efficient choice, with installation and commission possible in as quickly as 30 days, as well. Specs at 50 Hz include:

  • continuous power output: kW
  • engine speed: RPM
  • 3-phase voltage: 400V/230V
  • Size: 12.2 x 2.5 x 2.9m (LxWxH)
  • compact four-stroke-cycle CAT® B turbo-charged diesel engine

Specs at 60 Hz include:

  • continuous power output: kW
  • engine speed: RPM
  • 3-phase voltage: 480V/277V
  • Size: 12.2 x 2.5 x 2.9m (LxWxH)
  • compact four-stroke-cycle CAT® B turbo-charged diesel engine

Our diesel gensets come with all the benefits of the gas-powered ones, being fuel-efficient, highly reliable and able to support fast track power for industrial and utility needs in extreme conditions and/or remote locations. Here is more information about our diesel genset features and benefits.

Genset Case Study #1: Interim Power in Myanmar Utility Sector

APR Energy was the first company to provide energy in Myanmar, post-sanctions. This country, the second-largest producer of natural gas in Southeast Asia, had struggled because of a combination of sanctions and a dearth of foreign investment. This led to an underdeveloped infrastructure, along with aging power plants. Seventy-five percent of its population had not had access to electricity and the country&#;s energy production potential was not being met.

The United States and multiple European Union nations lifted sanctions in and, in , APR Energy signed a power generation agreement with Myanmar&#;s government. Within 90 days, we installed one of the country&#;s largest thermal plants, with 70 percent of the workers sourced locally. This won a Top Plants award.

Reasons that Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise chose our company for our genset services include our ability to:

  • rapidly design and deploy power plants on a large scale
  • efficiently optimize indigenous resources
  • employ local workers and provide valuable training
  • further the community&#;s economic development

You can find more information about this natural gas genset case study here.

Genset Case Study #2: Industrial Mining Power in Guatemala

Using diesel gensets, APR Energy provided reliable power for the world&#;s second-largest silver mine, winning a Safety Recognition as we provided a scalable solution from development to operation. Challenges we faced included the rural, mountainous region of the mine&#;s location, along with rigorous environmental and safety requirements as we designed and installed a system to ensure uninterrupted power in a life-dependent situation. Fast-track power solutions were needed for the Escobal mine in Minera San Rafael in part because of right-of-ways challenges.
Reasons that our genset services were chosen included our ability to:

  • initially provide the 2-3 MW that was required for the mine construction
  • scale up output to 15.5 MW of reliable electricity, crucial for miners working underground who needed life-sustaining water-pumping and ventilation systems
  • maintain rigorous standards
  • train workers in occupational health, safety and environmental best practices

Here&#;s more information about this diesel genset case study.

Genset power needs vary widely based on geographical and industrial needs, among other factors. To talk about your own unique requirements, contact APR Energy online to discuss our genset services or call +1 (904) 223 .

Generator Set Rooms & Enclosures

Electrical Room Space Requirements

The space requirements for standby and emergency power systems do not rank at the top of an architect&#;s design list. Consequently, service personnel can find themselves in tight quarters when these power systems are jammed into areas that meet only minimum safety requirements and don&#;t take service- ability into account.

Building service equipment must have an advocate early in the design process. It is far easier and less expensive to plan for adequate space in the design phase than to compromise on unit size and retrofit equipment to fit in cramped areas.

Basic Room Requirements

Minimum requirements set for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the National Electric Code (NEC) is that a person must be able to complete service duties with enclosure doors open and for two people to pass one another. If maintenance must be done at the rear of the cabinet, similar access space must be available.

The NEC also requires 3 to 4 feet (1m to 1.3m) of aisle space between live electrical components of 600 volts or less, depending on whether live components are on one or both sides of the aisle. This requirement holds even if components are protected by safety enclosures or screens.

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of genset room. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Installations over 600 volts require even wider aisle space, from 3 feet (1,) to as much as 12 feet (4m) for voltages above 75kV. Service rooms with 1,200 amps or more require two exits in case of fire or arcing. Because transformers vary, make sure minimum wall clearances are met as specified by the manufacturer.

Specific rules and exceptions are spelled out by the NFPA in its recently revised NEC rules.

Gen Set Space Needs

Caterpillar recommends floor space between an engine and parallel wall space or another gen set should not be less than the width of the engine. Overhead, there should be enough space allocated to allow convenient removal of cylinder heads, manifolds, exhaust piping and any other equipment for service. Consider specifying enough room for a chain hoist or overhead crane. Space fore and aft of the engine should allow camshaft removal.

Batteries to start gen sets should be kept as near as possible to the engine to avoid long energy robbing cables. The fuel tank should be located near gen sets to prevent long fuel line runs which can tax fuel pumps. Access to this equipment for service must also be considered in the design phase.

Switchgear Considerations

Controls and switchgear are best housed in a separate air-conditioned room next to the gen set with a window into the engine room. Switchgear that can&#;t be placed in a separate room should be located to take advantage of incoming air to cool the switchgear.

Consider Remote Options

Many times, building demands for emergency power increase so dramatically that the standby facility out grows the space it was originally allocated. Consider the following remote options.

  • Remote radiators. Radiators mounted on rooftops or inconspicuously at ground level outside can open up floor space and help lower room temperature when gen sets are in operation.
  • Remote switchgear. Switchgear placed in another service area near the gen set room opens floor space and helps keep operators out of high decibel areas when gen sets are in operation.
  • Stand alone packages. Here, the total gen set installation is moved to separate building or a stand alone packed is utilized. Stand alone, self contained units can be equipped with removable wall sections that allow for gen set maintenance and repairs.

Generator Set Enclosures

There&#;s increasing pressure on every designer to squeeze more usable space out of building in the design phase as well as those already in place and undergoing renovation.

That often puts gen sets in an awkward position: In new building, architects vie for that space for other uses. And in renovation projects, the power upgrade also means that additional standby power is needed, and the larger gen sets and switchgear won&#;t fit in the original space.

That&#;s led to the development of outside enclosure for gen sets. Designers are finding that moving gen sets outside takes more tan pouring a slab and putting a steel-sided housing over the structure; it entails many factors that affect gen set operation, safety as well as local code requirements for sound, sight and air quality.

Caterpillar and CAT dealers across North America have addressed site, sound and code requirements for thousands of gen set installations. This experience has led us to develop some innovative practices to enclose gen sets so they do not greatly affect the surrounding area. Following are criteria that must be considered with every gen set enclosure:

Space and System Requirements

The enclosure should offer as much or more space as required by the gen set in a building. In fact, because enclosure square foot cost are lower than in a finished building, you will likely have more funds available for enlarging the enclosure space. EPG Designer as well as AutoCAD drawings available from your CAT dealer cite minimum clearances needed. The enclosure should offer expandable construction, withstand excessive winds, allow full service access to gen set, including the ability to lift the enclosure off the installation.

When selecting a site for the enclosure, consider cfm air requirements for the gen set(s) as well as how exhaust fumes may travel. Pay particular attention to building ventilation inlet locations. Finally, consider the system&#;s needs for fuel storage, cooling, monitoring and maintenance. Fuel tanks can be built into enclosure bases, and is an option on the drop over enclosure- available from Caterpillar.

Enclosure security is another concern. The enclosure must be lockable and tamper and vandal resistant.

Service Considerations for Gen Set Installation

Gen sets and electrical control equipment often do not get the space considerations required to ensure a proper installation in a building. Or at least it seems that way as architects design new buildings that offer tenants as much usable space possible.

It&#;s a touch act to balance gen set space needs with other building service functions. But if you keep routine maintenance, future equipment repair needs and expansion considerations in mind, you will be able to offer your client an installation that allows the gen set to perform efficiently and reliably for years to come.

The illustration below shows several factors to consider in engine room design. Here are some other considerations:

The Generator Room

Look down the road to the day extensive gen set repairs may be needed. Even the most reliable gen set, after thousands of hours of operation, will need some internal work. Will there be enough room for engine or generator disassembly? Can the unit be removed without major building alteration? You may want to specify a chain hoist or overhead crane into the room&#;s design for these heavy chores.

Gen Set Support Systems

Does your room design consider how add-ons such as cogeneration equipment or remote cooling systems may obstruct service of components? A remote radiator with properly routed plumbing can significantly simplify engine service and disassembly. Strategic placement of auxiliary tanks can make service checkpoints ease to find and maintenance quick to complete.

As Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations tighten on underground fuel tanks, consider requirements aimed at making fuel tanks leak proof. Above-ground diesel storage tanks or other fuels (natural gas or propane may be viable alternatives.

Look at how you gen set installation gets its air. It needs a clean, relatively cool and plentiful supply. Massive ducting should be routed with as few bends as possible, and not interfere with service sites on the gen set.

Controls

Power demand will likely grow long after clients have moved into the building, so the need for more electrical service is inevitable. Does your plan allow for such growth? Remote gen set switchgear is one option that can open up space in crowded installations.

Sound Attenuation

Controlling noise emissions is the greatest challenge for enclosure designers. Tougher local codes are cracking down on high sound levels. Several methods can be employed to minimize sound transmission: Caterpillar offers sound attenuation packages that can reduce sound levels to 72dB(A) or 85 dB(A) at 50 feet. If you have even lower dB(A) level requirements, we can develop special enclosures that can meet your needs.

Appearance

Because enclosures often are in the public eye, they should blend in with the surrounding environment. The enclosure should look clean, neat and be maintenance free. For example, CAT Drop over Enclosure are built with 12 gauge coated steel and painted with a 2 mil thick baked polyester powder. All parts are painted before assembly, assuring good coverage and years of corrosion free service.

Code Requirements

Various city, state/provincial and federal codes affect gen set enclosure. Enclosures may be considered temporary to permanent buildings, depending on your zoning code.

Consider sound, sight, and earthquake tolerance requirements. Food and health codes may also impact enclosure location and design.

Proven Technology

Caterpillar and CAT dealers have developed several types of enclosures for various gen set installations. This experience has helped us find out the most efficient, economical way to supply enclosures that meet engineering design and sound attenuation requirements most often requested by customers.

Contact us for a complete overview of our enclosure capability.

For more open type generator setinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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